Range Rover redefines armour with Sentinel

CAR lovers, who want more from a car than typical safety measures may not only find the latest Range Rover Sentinel as a safeguard but maybe bank their lives on the benefits of its VR8 ballistic and blast protection certification.

The new vehicle is the first off the list of armored Land Rover designed by the Special Vehicles Operations division of Jaguar Land Rover, a unit tasked with building armored cars for the company.

The sentinel is capable of withstanding attacks by 7.62-millimeter high velocity, armor piercing incendiary bullets as well as blasts from up to 33 pounds of TNT.

It can also handle multiple grenade blasts above the roof and on the road surface. Another reason that may prompt anyone to stake on the brand new car is the ability to go off-road if an unconventional escape route be needed.

The suspension was uprated so that the abilities of the Sentinel are in line with those of the standard Range Rover. SVO boasts that the vehicle can still carry more than 1,400 lbs despite already being weighed down with all the protective gear.

sentinel-inside

The Brand Manager of Jaguar Land Rover, Coscharis Motors Limited, the British automaker’s representative in Nigeria, Aregbeshola Shina told The Guardian that the Sentinel would be available for order in Nigeria and other selected markets globally from early September.

Shina, who disclosed that the Sentinel was fully European Union (EU) Homologated with VR8 level certification, noted that the vehicle would not go on sale in China or in United State considering different homologation tests.

The Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover, Special Operations, John Edwards said: “The Range Rover Sentinel is one of the most extraordinary Range Rovers ever produced. It has been expertly engineered by Special Vehicle Operations to provide class leading levels of protection to occupants against extreme attack, whilst retaining the Range Rover’s luxury and refinement with off road capability.”

According to MotorAuthority the core of the sedan is a specially-developed six-piece armored passenger cell, made of super-high-strength steel.

sentinel_interior

Multi-laminated armored glass is used for the windows and the vehicle also sports an anti-tamper exhaust, a self-sealing fuel tank, auxiliary backup battery and a split charging system, and run-flat tires.

The standard engine is the Range Rover’s supercharged 3.0-liter V-6, rated at 340 horsepower. The car also comes with optional protection features which include under floor and hood fire suppression systems, a siren and flashing lights system, and an external speaker.

The Sentinel is expected to make its world debut at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Exhibition at London’s ExCeL arena which is holding next week. Hopefully the vehicle will be available in a choice of liveries as well as Ebony, Ivory, or Dark Cherry interiors with leather headlining.